For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 391
R. H. GEERTZ....Among the sons of worthy parentage in Muscatine county may be named R. H. Geertz, who owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 22, Lake township, and by a life of self-respect and industry he has gained the esteem of many friends and acquaintances. He was born on the farm where he now lives, April 15, 1876, and is a son of Adolph and Sophia ( Altekruse ) Geertz, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Baltimore, Maryland. The father came to America in 1851, locating for a time at Davenport, Iowa. He next took up his residence in Muscatine, where for several years he was a saw filer at the Hershey mills. Being industrious and economical in his habits, he saved money and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Lake township, becoming one of the successful farmers of this region. Here he lived until he was called from earthly scenes December 3, 1905, his wife departing this life July 20, 1897. Unto them five children were born : John B., now of Aberdeen, South Dakota ; Mary E., the wife of William Martz, of Lake township ; Anna H., the wife of William Bietz, also of Lake township ; R. H., our subject ; and one who died in infancy.R. H. Geertz received his education in the district schools and was thoroughly instructed in the various operations of the farm under his father. After reaching years of maturity he rented the homestead for some years and later purchased the same which he has cultivated with gratifying success. In connection with general agriculture he is interested in livestock, and his labors in both lines have been abundantly blessed, so that today he enjoys a high degree of prosperity.
On November 24, 1897, Mr. Geertz was united in marriage to Miss Ada Foster, who was born in Lake township and is a daughter of William and Mary ( Chown ) Foster, both of whom are natives of Muscatine county. Mr. and Mrs. Foster reared a family of six children and are now living retired. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Geertz on e child, Helen M., was born October 9, 1902.
Mr. Geertz and his family are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church and by their many kindly acts have demonstrated the effect of the teachings of the Master, to whom they yield a willing obedience. Mr. Geertz gives his allegiance to the republican party, believing that in so doing he is best advancing the interests of the state and nation. He has never sought public office, but has served most creditably as supervisor of the township, devoting to his public duties the same energy and interest that he displays in his private affairs, and it is hardly necessary to add that he stands high in the estimation of his fellowmen.
Back to Biographical Index Page